Proverbs 29

English Standard Version

29 ^(A)He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
    will suddenly be ^(B)broken ^(C)beyond healing.
² When ^(D)the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
    but when ^(E)the wicked rule, the people groan.
³ He who ^(F)loves wisdom makes his father glad,
    but ^(G)a companion of prostitutes ^(H)squanders his wealth.
⁴ By justice a king ^(I)builds up the land,
    but he who exacts gifts^[a] tears it down.
^5 (J)A man who flatters his neighbor
    spreads ^(K)a net for his feet.
⁶ An evil man is ^(L)ensnared in his transgression,
    but a righteous man ^(M)sings and rejoices.
⁷ A righteous man ^(N)knows the rights of the poor;
    a wicked man does not ^(O)understand such knowledge.
^8 (P)Scoffers set a city aflame,
    but the wise turn away wrath.
⁹ If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
    the fool only rages and laughs, and there is ^(Q)no quiet.
¹⁰ Bloodthirsty men ^(R)hate one who is blameless
    and seek the life of the upright.^[b]
11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
    but a wise man quietly holds it back.
¹² If a ruler listens to falsehood,
    all his officials will be wicked.
¹³ The poor man and the oppressor ^(S)meet together;
    the Lord ^(T)gives light to the eyes of both.
¹⁴ If a king ^(U)faithfully judges the poor,
    his throne will ^(V)be established forever.
^15 (W)The rod and reproof give wisdom,
    but a child left to himself ^(X)brings shame to his mother.
¹⁶ When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
    but ^(Y)the righteous will look upon their downfall.
^17 (Z)Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
    he will give delight to your heart.
¹⁸ Where ^(AA)there is no prophetic vision the people ^(AB)cast off restraint,^[c]
    but blessed is he who ^(AC)keeps the law.
¹⁹ By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
    for though he understands, he will not respond.
²⁰ Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
    ^(AD)There is more hope for a fool than for him.
²¹ Whoever pampers his servant from childhood
    will in the end find him his heir.^[d]
22 (AE)A man of wrath stirs up strife,
    and one given to anger causes much transgression.
^23 (AF)One's pride will bring him low,
    ^(AG)but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
²⁴ The partner of a thief ^(AH)hates his own life;
    ^(AI)he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
^25 (AJ)The fear of man lays a snare,
    but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
²⁶ Many ^(AK)seek the face of a ruler,
    but it is from the Lord that a man ^(AL)gets justice.
^27 (AM)An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
    but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.